Smart golf pin system

ABSTRACT

The disclosure herein provides a smart golf pin system and golf GPS device with a mechanism to automatically receive golf hole cup information and display the golf hole information on the golf GPS device. More specifically, the golf GPS device receives data from a plurality of GPS modules installed on the golf pins located throughout the golf course and based on its current location, selects a set of GPS coordinates corresponding to the current hole that the golfer is playing, and displays a distance from the golf GPS device to the actual hole cup location in the current hole, thereby allowing the golfer to fine tune his or her approach accordingly.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/304,934, filed Jun. 28, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/381,766, filed Apr. 11, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,409, filed Jun. 23, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/936,123, filed Jul. 5, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/668,332, filed Jul. 5, 2012, the contents each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

With the development of new technologies, a smart golf pin system and golf devices can be employed to allow a golfer to automatically receive golf hole cup information and more accurate distance information on a golf device. The smart golf pin system can be used to identify or detect a golfer playing a golf hole, and provide the golf hole's information such as more accurate hole cup information to the identified golfer. The golf hole cup information or information derived therefrom can be displayed on a golfer's golf device.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a system configured to provide hole cup information on a golf course, the system comprising: a plurality of GPS modules configured to transmit GPS signals, wherein the plurality of GPS modules are physically attached to a corresponding plurality of golf pins located throughout the golf course; and a user device configured to: receive multiple sets of GPS coordinates that each include a latitude and a longitude associated with one of the plurality of GPS modules located throughout the golf course; determine a current hole associated with the user device; select, based on the current hole associated with the user device, a first set of GPS coordinates from the multiple sets of GPS coordinates; and display, based on the selected first set of GPS coordinates, a distance from a current location of the user device to a current location of a golf pin corresponding to the current hole, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole.

Another aspect provides a electronic device configured to provide hole cup information on a golf course, the electronic device comprising: a display; a GPS sensor configured to receive GPS information associated with a current location of the electronic device; and one or more processors configured to: receive multiple sets of GPS coordinates that each include a latitude and a longitude associated with one of a plurality of GPS modules located throughout the golf course; determine a current hole associated with the electronic device; select, based on the current hole associated with the electronic device, a first set of GPS coordinates from the multiple sets of GPS coordinates; determine, based on the selected first set of GPS coordinates, a distance from the current location of the electronic device to a current location of a golf pin corresponding to the current hole, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole; and cause the distance to be displayed via the display of the electronic device.

Another aspect provides a method of providing hole cup information on a golf course, the method comprising: receiving multiple sets of GPS coordinates that each include a latitude and a longitude associated with one of a plurality of GPS modules located throughout the golf course; determining a current hole associated with a user device; selecting, based on the current hole associated with the user device, a first set of GPS coordinates from the multiple sets of GPS coordinates; and displaying, based on the selected first set of GPS coordinates, a distance from a current location of the user device to a current location of a golf pin corresponding to the current hole, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole.

Another aspect provides a method of providing hole cup information on a golf course, the method comprising: receiving GPS coordinate information from a GPS module installed on a golf pin of one of a plurality of holes on the golf course; determining a current hole associated with a user device; determining that said one of the plurality of holes matches the current hole associated with the user device; determining, based on the GPS coordinate information from the GPS module installed on the golf pin, a distance from a current location of the user device to a current location of the golf pin, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole; and displaying the distance via a display of the user device.

Another aspect provides a portable information processing and viewing device, which may comprise: a body housing a GPS receiver, a memory, one or more processors and a user interface, the body comprising a front surface and a rear surface; the GPS receiver configured to receive GPS information; the memory storing map information of golf courses, each comprising at least one hole and at least one feature on the hole; the one or more processors configured to determine a distance between the device and a location on a golf course stored in the memory as part of the map information; the user interface configured to provide a user with the determined distance, the user interface comprising a display screen on the front surface and a speaker housed in the body; a clip integrated with the body and comprising a spring plate that faces the rear surface; the one or more processors further configured to determine whether something is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate; wherein when determining that no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, the display screen is configured to display the determined distance in a first orientation, and the speaker is configured to generate sound at a first volume of the determined distance in response to a user request; wherein upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors are configured to cause the user interface to operate in a clip mode, which comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of i) not displaying the determined distance on the display screen, ii) displaying the determined distance on the display screen in a second orientation different from the first orientation, and iii) upon a user request, generating sound of the determined distance at a second volume higher than the first volume; and wherein upon determining that the object is ungripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, the one or more processors are configured to cause the user interface to return to the previous state of displaying the determined distance in the first orientation and generating sound at the first volume.

Another aspect provides golf GPS device, which may comprise: a GPS receiver configured to receive GPS information; a memory storing map information of golf courses, each comprising at least one hole and at least one feature on the hole; one or more processors configured to determine a distance between the device and a location on a golf course stored in the memory as part of the map information; a body comprising a front surface and a rear surface; a display module comprising a display screen provided on the front surface of the body and configured to display information; an audio module comprising a speaker housed in the body and configured to generate sound; a clip integrated with the body and comprising a spring plate that faces the rear surface; the one or more processors further configured to determine a mode of usage, in which the golf GPS device is used among a plurality of predetermined modes comprising a clip mode; and wherein, upon determining the clip mode, in which the golf GPS device is engaged with an object such that a portion of the object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors are configured to cause the display module to stop displaying information that has been displayed on the display screen until the clip mode is canceled or disabled.

Still another aspect provides a golf GPS device, which may comprise: a GPS receiver configured to receive GPS information; a memory storing map information of golf courses, each comprising at least one hole and at least one feature on the hole; one or more processors configured to determine a distance between the device and a location on a golf course stored in the memory as part of the map information; a body comprising a front surface and a rear surface; a display module comprising a display screen provided on the front surface of the body and configured to display information; an audio module comprising a speaker housed in the body and configured to generate sound; a clip integrated with the body and comprising a spring plate that faces the rear surface; the one or more processors further configured to determine a mode of usage, in which the golf GPS device is used among a plurality of predetermined modes comprising a clip mode; and wherein, upon determining the clip mode, in which the golf GPS device is engaged with an object such that a portion of the object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors are configured to cause the audio module to increase volume for sound to be generated by the speaker until the clip mode is canceled or disabled.

Yet another aspect provides a golf GPS device, which may comprise: a GPS receiver configured to receive GPS information; a memory storing map information of golf courses, each comprising at least one hole and at least one feature on the hole; one or more processors configured to determine a distance between the device and a location on a golf course stored in the memory as part of the map information; a body comprising a front surface and a rear surface; a display module comprising a display screen provided on the front surface of the body and configured to display information; an audio module comprising a speaker housed in the body and configured to generate sound; a clip integrated with the body and comprising a spring plate that faces the rear surface; the one or more processors further configured to determine a mode of usage, in which the golf GPS device is used among a plurality of predetermined modes comprising a clip mode; and wherein, upon determining the clip mode, in which the golf GPS device is engaged with an object such that a portion of the object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors are configured to change the orientation of information displayed on the display screen from a first orientation to a second orientation different from the first orientation until the clip mode is canceled or disabled.

In the foregoing golf GPS devices, upon determining the clip mode, the one or more processors may be configured to deactivate the display screen. The one or more processors may be configured to determine at least one non-clip mode, in which no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, wherein, upon determining the at least one non-clip mode, the one or more processors may be configured to cause the display screen to begin or resume displaying information on the display screen. The one or more processors may be configured to determine the clip mode based on a user input to the golf GPS device. The device may be configured to provide the option of selecting one of the plurality of predetermined modes comprising the clip mode, wherein the user input may comprise selection of the clip mode.

Still in the foregoing golf GPS devices, the one or more processors may be configured to determine the clip mode without any user input to the golf GPS device, wherein the device may further comprise one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one physical property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface and further configured to provide information indicative of the monitored physical property to the one or more processors, wherein the at least one physical property may be selected from the group consisting of capacitance, resistance, piezoelectricity, electric current, electric potential, magnetism, pressure, tension, and deflection. The one or more sensors may comprise a first electrode in the clip and a second electrode on the rear surface or inside the body, wherein the one or more processors may be configured to determine the clip mode when detecting that at least one property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface reaches and exceeds a predetermined value with the grip of the portion of the object, wherein the one or more processors may be configured to determine a non-clip mode when detecting that at least one property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface falls behind the same or another predetermined value or lower with the grip of the portion of the object.

Yet in the foregoing golf GPS devices, when no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, the first and second electrodes may be in contact with each other, wherein upon gripping the object between the spring plate and the rear surface, the one or more sensors may monitor property indicative of disconnecting of the first and second electrodes. When no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, the first and second electrodes may be apart from each other at a gap therebetween, wherein upon gripping the object between the spring plate and the rear surface, the one or more sensors may monitor property indicative of increase of the gap. The one or more sensors may be configured to monitor deflection of a portion of the clip, wherein the one or more processors may be configured to determine the clip mode when detecting that the deflection reaches and exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the one or more processors may be configured to determine a non-clip mode when detecting that the deflection falls behind the same or another predetermined value. In the foregoing devices, the clip may be removable from the body while integrated with the body.

A further aspect provides a method of operating a golf GPS device. The method may comprise: providing the device of any one of the foregoing golf GPS device; determining a distance between the device and a location on a golf course stored in the memory as part of the map information; displaying the determined distance on the display screen in a first orientation; in response to a user request, generating sound of the determined distance from the speaker at a first volume; gripping an object by spring action of the spring plate by inserting a portion of the object between the spring plate and rear surface; determining, by the one or more processors, whether something is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate; when no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, continuing to display the determined distance in the first orientation and generating sound at the first volume or at a user's adjusted volume in response to a user request; when determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, causing the user interface to operate in a clip mode, which comprises one or more actions selected from the group consisting of i) stopping to display the determined distance on the display screen, ii) changing the orientation of the determined distance on the display screen from the first orientation to a second orientation different from the first orientation, and iii) increasing volume of sound of the determined distance to be generated upon a user request to a second volume higher than the first volume or the user's adjusted volume; and when determining that the object is ungripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, causing the user interface to return to the previous state of displaying the determined distance in the first orientation and generating sound at the first volume or the user's adjusted volume.

In the foregoing method, upon determining the clip mode, the one or more processors may deactivate the display screen. The one or more processors may determine at least one non-clip mode, in which no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, wherein, upon determining the at least one non-clip mode, the one or more processors may cause the display screen to begin or resume displaying information on the display screen. The one or more processors may determine the clip mode based on a user input to the golf GPS device. The device may provide the option of selecting one of the plurality of predetermined modes comprising the clip mode, wherein the user input comprises selection of the clip mode.

Still in the foregoing method, the one or more processors may determine the clip mode without any user input to the golf GPS device, wherein the device may further comprise one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one physical property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface and to provide information indicative of the monitored physical property to the one or more processors, wherein the at least one physical property may be selected from the group consisting of capacitance, resistance, piezoelectricity, electric current, electric potential, magnetism, pressure, tension, and deflection. The one or more sensors may comprise a first electrode in the clip and a second electrode on the rear surface or inside the body, wherein the one or more processors may determine the clip mode when detecting that at least one property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface reaches and exceeds a predetermined value with the grip of the portion of the object, wherein the one or more processors may determine a non-clip mode when detecting that at least one property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface falls behind the same or another predetermined value or lower with the grip of the portion of the object.

Yet in the foregoing method, when no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, the first and second electrodes may be in contact with each other, wherein upon gripping the object between the spring plate and the rear surface, the one or more sensors may monitor property indicative of disconnecting of the first and second electrodes. When no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, the first and second electrodes may be apart from each other at a gap therebetween, wherein upon gripping the object between the spring plate and the rear surface, the one or more sensors may monitor property indicative of increase the gap. The one or more sensors may be configured to monitor deflection of a portion of the clip, wherein the one or more processors may determine the clip mode when detecting that the deflection reaches and exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the one or more processors may determine a non-clip mode when detecting that the deflection falls behind the same or another predetermined value.

Further in the foregoing method, upon determining the clip mode, the one or more processors may cause the audio module or the user interface to increase volume for sound to be generated by the speaker until the clip mode is canceled. Upon determining the clip mode, in which the golf GPS device is engaged with an object using the clip, the one or more processors may change the orientation of information displayed on the display screen from a first orientation to a second orientation different from the first orientation.

The foregoing method may further comprise: for the clip mode, providing the user with the option for selecting one of i) not displaying the determined distance on the display screen, ii) displaying the determined distance on the display screen in the second orientation different from the first orientation, and iii) upon a user request, generating sound of the determined distance at a second volume higher than the first volume or the user's adjusted volume. The option for selecting may be provided to the user in a context of setting user preferences. The option for selecting may be provided upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate.

Yet in the foregoing method, the option of not displaying the determined distance may be pre-selected such that upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors may cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, which comprises not displaying the determined distance on the display screen. The option of displaying the determined distance in the second orientation may be pre-selected such that upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors may cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, which comprises displaying the determined distance on the display screen in the second orientation different from the first orientation. The option of generating sound at the second volume may be also pre-selected such that upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors may cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, which comprises not displaying the determined distance on the display screen and generating sound of the determined distance at the second volume. The method may further comprise: receiving a user request for changing the one or more pre-select options to one or more remaining options; in response to the request, changing the one or more pre-select options to one or more remaining options; and operating the user interface in the clip mode in the changed options.

Further in the foregoing method, the device may comprise a gyroscope, wherein the one or more processors may detect the orientation of the device based on information from the gyroscope, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine that the device is clipped with a golfer's headwear, in which a portion of the headwear is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, wherein upon determining that the device is clipped with a portion of the golfer's headwear, the one or more processors may cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, in which the determined distance displayed on the display screen is turned off. The one or more processors may be configured to determine that the device is clipped with a golfer's headwear, when the front surface is generally facing away from the ground or the rear surface generally facing the ground for a predetermined period of time.

Still in the foregoing method, the device may comprise a gyroscope, wherein the one or more processors may detect the orientation of the device based on information from the gyroscope, wherein the one or more processors may further determine that the device is clipped with a golfer's waist belt, in which a portion of the golfer's waist belt is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, wherein upon determining that the device is clipped with a portion of the golfer's waist belt, the one or more processors may cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, in which the orientation of the determined distance displayed on the display screen is changed to the second orientation. The one or more processors may be configured to determine that the device is clipped with a golfer's waist belt, when the front and rear surfaces is facing generally in a horizontal direction for a predetermined period of time. The device may comprise one or more temperature sensors, wherein the one or more processors may determine that the device is clipped with a golfer's waist belt, when a temperature detected on the side of rear surface is substantially higher than a temperature detected on the side of front surface. In the foregoing method, the clip may be removable from the body while integrated with the body.

One aspect of the invention provides a portable information processing and viewing device for use in a golf course comprising a plurality of holes, each of which is pre-assigned a particular hole number. The device may comprise: a GPS receiver configured to receive GPS information; one or more memory devices configured to store data; map data stored in the one or more memory devices, the map data comprising map information of each one of the plurality of holes; a display screen configured to display hole information and distance information; one or more processors configured to repeatedly determine in which one of the plurality of holes the device is located, to repeatedly compute a distance between the device and a feature of the determined hole, and to cause to display the hole number of the determined hole and the computed distance on the display screen, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine if the device has moved from one of the plurality of holes to another of the plurality of holes, once determined that the device has moved from a first one of the plurality of holes to a second of the plurality of holes without passing another hole of the golf course, to determine whether or not the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole in terms of the pre-assigned hole numbers of the first and second holes in the golf course, and when determined that the second hole is not immediately subsequent to the first hole in terms of the pre-assigned hole numbers of the first and second holes in the golf course, to cause to display for selection by a user the hole numbers of the first and second holes on the display screen; upon the user's selection of the hole number of the first hole, to compute a first distance between the device and a feature of the first hole and cause to display the computed first distance on the display screen.

In the foregoing device, in addition to causing to display the hole numbers of the first and second holes, the one or more processors may be configured to further display at least one hole number of a hole, in which the device was previously located prior to the first hole. When determined that the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole, the one or more processors may be configured to compute a second distance between the device and a feature of the second hole and cause to display the computed second distance on the display screen. When determined that the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole, the one or more processors may be configured to display an inquiry to the user as to whether to proceed to the second hole or stay with the first hole.

Still in the foregoing device, when determined that the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole, the one or more processors may be configured to determine if the device has stayed within a predetermined zone of the first hole for a predetermined period or longer before moving to the second hole; and when determined that the device has not stayed within the predetermined zone or has stayed within the predetermined zone for a period shorter than the predetermined period before moving to the second hole, to compute the first distance between the device and the feature of the first hole and cause to display the computed first distance on the display screen. The map information of the first hole may include the predetermined zone, which comprises an arbitrarily defined area on a map of the first hole encompassing one or more selected from the group consisting of at least part of the green, a golf cart path next to the green, an area adjacent the green, and an area surrounding the green.

Yet in the foregoing device, when determined that the second hole is not immediately subsequent to the first hole, the one or more processors may be configured to compute the first distance and cause the first distance to be displayed on the display screen even before selection by the user. When determined that the second hole is not immediately subsequent to the first hole, the one or more processors may be configured to further compute a second distance between the device and a feature of the second hole and cause to display the second distance on the display screen in addition to the first distance even before selection by the user. When determined that the second hole is not immediately subsequent to the first hole, the one or more processors may be configured to not compute a second distance between the device and a feature of the second hole even before selection by the user.

Further in the foregoing device, the one or more memory devices may be configured to further store information of movement of the device on the golf course along with timestamps associated with the movement. When determined that the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole, the one or more processors may be configured to determine if the device has stayed within a predetermined zone of the first hole before moving to the second hole; and when determined that the device has not stayed within the predetermined zone, to compute the first distance between the device and the feature of the first hole and cause to display the computed first distance on the display screen, wherein the map information of the first hole may include the predetermined zone, which comprises an arbitrarily defined area on a map of the first hole encompassing one or more selected from the group consisting of at least part of the green, a golf cart path next to the green, an area adjacent the green, and an area surrounding the green.

Still in the foregoing device, when determined that the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole, the one or more processors may be configured: to determine if the device has stayed within a predetermined zone of the first hole for a predetermined period or longer before moving to the second hole; and when determined that the device has stayed within the predetermined zone for the predetermined period or longer, only then to compute a second distance between the device and a feature of the second hole and cause to display the computed second distance on the display screen, wherein the map information of the first hole includes the predetermined zone, which comprises an arbitrarily defined area on a map of the first hole encompassing one or more selected from the group consisting of at least part of the green, a golf cart path next to the green, an area adjacent the green, and an area surrounding the green.

Yet in the foregoing device, each hole may comprise a green and a tee-off area, wherein each hole map information may comprise locational information of the green and locational information of the tee-off area and the hole number pre-assigned to that hole. The feature of the first hole may comprise a position of or associated with the green of the first hole, wherein the position of or associated with the green may be predetermined and included in the map information of the first hole or chosen by a predetermined algorithm at the time of computing the first distance. Each hole map information may comprise a predetermined area defined with a boundary line or boundary lines on a map of that hole, wherein the boundary line or lines of the predetermined area does not accurately follow the boundary of the hole as published by the golf course, wherein the predetermined area may be used for determining whether the device is located within the hole such that when the device is located within the predetermined area of the second hole, then the one or more processors are configured to determine that the device is located in the second hole. The predetermined area of each hole does not encompass a portion of the hole, wherein the one or more processors may be configured to determine that the device remains located in the first hole once the device is within the predetermined area of the first hole and leaves the predetermined area of the first hole as long as the device does not enter the predetermined area of another hole. The one or more processors may be configured to determine that the device has moved from the first hole to the second hole, when the device travels from a location within the predetermined area of the first hole to outside the predetermined area of the first hole, and then enters the predetermined area of the second hole.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a portable information processing and viewing device in a golf course comprising a plurality of holes, each of which is pre-assigned a particular hole number. The method may comprise: providing the foregoing device; receiving GPS information via the GPS receiver; determining a location of the device using the GPS information; determining one of the plurality of holes, in which the GPS device is located; computing a distance between the device and a feature of the determined hole of the golf course; displaying the hole number of the determined hole and the computed distance on the display screen; further determining if the device has moved from one of the plurality of holes to another of the plurality of holes; once determined that the device has moved from a first one of the plurality of holes to a second of the plurality of holes, determining whether or not the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole in terms of the pre-assigned hole numbers of the first and second holes in the golf course, and when determined that the second hole is not immediately subsequent to the first hole in terms of the pre-assigned hole numbers of the first and second holes in the golf course, displaying for selection by a user the hole numbers of the first and second holes on the display screen; upon the user's selection of the hole number of the first hole, computing a first distance between the device and a feature of the first hole and displaying the computed first distance on the display screen.

The foregoing method may further comprise: when determined that the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole, computing a second distance between the device and a feature of the second hole and displaying the computed second distance on the display screen. When determined that the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole, the foregoing method may further comprise: determining if the device has stayed within a predetermined zone of the first hole for a predetermined period or longer before moving to the second hole; and when determined that the device has not stayed within the predetermined zone or has stayed within the predetermined zone for a period shorter than the predetermined period before moving to the second hole, computing the first distance between the device and the feature of the first hole and cause to display the computed first distance on the display screen, wherein the map information of the first hole includes the predetermined zone, which comprises an arbitrarily defined area on a map of the first hole encompassing one or more selected from the group consisting of at least part of the green, a golf cart path next to the green, an area adjacent the green, and an area surrounding the green.

In an embodiment, a golf GPS device comprises a front surface comprising a display screen configured to display information related to location data that the golf GPS device has been tracking in relation to a golf course, a back surface substantially parallel to the front surface and facing away from the front surface, wherein the back surface is partially covered by a clip configured to attach the golf GPS device to a player using the golf GPS device, one or more circumferential surfaces interconnecting the front and back surfaces, and a speaker configured to audibly report information related to location data that the golf GPS device has been tracking in relation to the golf course, wherein the golf GPS device is capable of determining whether the golf GPS device is clipped, wherein upon determining that the golf GPS device is clipped, the display screen of the golf GPS device automatically turns off. In some embodiments, upon determining that the golf GPS device is not clipped, the display screen of the golf GPS device above automatically turns on.

In an embodiment, a method of changing on a golf GPS device a particular hole of a golf course that the golf GPS device is tracking a location of the player against when the golf GPS device is located on or near the player, wherein the player while playing on a first hole of the golf course temporarily steps onto a second hole before finishing playing on the first hole, wherein the second hole is neighboring the first hole, and wherein the golf GPS device automatically identifies that the player is playing on the second hole and begins to track the location of the player against the second hole, comprises receiving by the golf GPS device a unique input from the player to revert back to tracking the location of the player against the first hole, identifying by the golf GPS device upon the unique input a hole the golf GPS device was tracking the location of the player against immediately prior to tracking the location of the player against the second hole, which is the first hole, and determining by the golf GPS device using at least one GPS satellite a plurality of distances between the player and a plurality of locations along the first hole, wherein the plurality of locations along the first hole comprises a location of a hole cup of the first hole, wherein the golf GPS device comprises at least a computer processor and an electronic storage medium. In some embodiments, the second hole neighboring the first hole in the above method is not sequentially a subsequent hole to play after playing at the first hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings of various embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention. The drawings comprise the following figures in which:

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate the front, back, and circumferential surfaces of the golf GPS device.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a cover configured to be used in conjunction with one embodiment of the golf GPS device.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the golf GPS device when clipped onto a hat.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the golf GPS device when clipped onto a belt.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate features of one embodiment of the golf GPS device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting the context and use of one embodiment of a hot key on the golf GPS device configured to revert the golf GPS device to track the immediately previous hole.

FIG. 7 illustrates a display screen of a golf GPS device in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a display screen of a golf GPS device in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a golf GPS device in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a map of holes of a golf course, the data of the map being stored in a golf GPS device in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view of a golf hole that illustrates a smart golf pin device that can be attached to a golf pin in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view of a golf course illustrates multiple smart golf pin devices and signal relay devices in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a smart pin device that can be attached to a golf pin in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a golf hole cup display routine in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates another golf hole cup display routine in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may comprise several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.

As used herein, the terms “golf GPS device” and “device” may be used interchangeably. Further, as used herein, the terms “player,” “user,” and “player-user” may be used interchangeably.

Golf GPS Device with Clip

A golf GPS device including an integrated clip is typically clipped with a golfer's headwear or waist belt. In a golf GPS device including a display screen, when the device is clipped with the golfer's headwear such as a cap or hat, it would be difficult for the golfer to read the information displayed on the display screen because the display screen would likely face away from the golfer's eyes. In such a situation, the battery power of the golf GPS device will be wasted for the time when the golf GPS device is clipped with golfer's headwear. It would be better to turn off the display screen when the golf GPS device determines that it is clipped with the golfer's headwear.

Also, when the golf GPS device is clipped with the golfer's waist belt, it would be difficult for the golfer to read information displayed on the display screen because the information would be upside down for the golfer's eyes. It would be helpful for the golfer to read the information if the information displayed on the display screen is displayed upside down when the golf GPS device determines that it is clipped with the golfer's waist belt.

Further, some golf GPS devices with an audio module that generates the sound of certain information about the golf courses and golf plays, such as the distance of the golf GPS device to the green of the hole the golfer is playing. Sometimes such a golf GPS device is carried near the golfer's ears. In other times such a golf GPS device is carried somehow away from the golfer's ears, for example, when the GPS device is kept or clipped with golfer's waist belt. In such a situation, it would be helpful that the golf GPS device turns off the volume of the sound when it determines that it is clipped with the golfer's waist belt.

General Structure and Operation

In embodiments, a portable information processing and viewing device is provided. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7 , the device includes a body housing a GPS receiver 302, a memory 306, one or more processors 300 and a user interface, the body comprising a front surface and a rear surface. The GPS receiver receives GPS information transmitted from satellites. The memory stores map information or map data 308 of golf courses, each of which includes at least one hole and at least one feature on the hole. The one or more processors determine a distance between the device and a location on a golf course stored in the memory as part of the map information. The user interface provides a user with the determined distance. The user interface includes a display screen 304 on the front surface and a speaker 310 housed in the body.

In embodiments, the device further includes a clip integrated with the body. The clip includes a spring plate that faces the rear surface of the body of the GPS device. In one embodiment, the clip may be disintegrated from the GPS device. Based on input from one or more sensors or sensing elements, the one or more processors further determine whether something is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate. When determining that no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, the display screen displays the determined distance in a first orientation, and the speaker generates sound at a first volume of the determined distance in response to a user request.

In embodiments, upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors cause the user interface to operate in a clip mode, which includes one or more selected from the group consisting of i) not displaying the determined distance on the display screen, ii) displaying the determined distance on the display screen in a second orientation different from the first orientation, and iii) upon a user request, generating sound of the determined distance at a second volume higher than the first volume. Upon determining that the object is ungripped between the spring plate and the rear surface (i.e., the object is disengaged or removed from the spring plate of the clip,) the one or more processors cause the user interface to return to the previous state of displaying the determined distance in the first orientation and generating sound at the first volume.

In embodiments, the one or more processors determine the clip mode based on a user input to the golf GPS device. In another embodiment, the one or more processors determine the clip mode based on information transmitted from one or more sensors, which are discussed below.

A golf GPS device can be used to track a player's location and ranges in real-time while playing on a golf course. In an embodiment, a golf GPS device comprises a GPS module, processor, memory, input, and output. The GPS module, processor, memory, input, and output can be chosen from ones that are currently well known and commercially available or those that are to be developed in the future. For example, the output can include one or more displays configured to visually convey information and/or speakers configured to verbally convey information. The input can include one or more sensors and/or mechanical, electrical, and digital buttons that facilitate a user to instruct the device to perform certain functions. More than one buttons and/or sensors may be utilized in combination for a particular function.

It is understood that the various inputs and outputs described herein may be located on any surface of the golf GPS device other than as shown in the depicted embodiments. It is further understood that the various inputs and outputs described herein may be combined into fewer components and that each input and/or output can be configured to perform other functions in addition to those shown in the depicted embodiments.

Golf GPS Device with Automatic Hole Recognition

Many golf GPS devices now have the feature of automatic hole recognition, which is to determine the particular hole in which the GPS device is located as the user travels along the golf course as the golf play proceeds. For example, the automatic hole recognition feature determines if the location of the GPS device is within a predetermined area or boundary of a particular one of the plurality of holes of golf course. The golf GPS device will include map information of the golf course, which includes the predetermined area or the boundary of such an areas for the automatic hole recognition feature. In such a device, when the user or golfer travels from one hole to another, e.g., from a predetermined area of one hole to a predetermined area of the other hole, the GPS device will automatically recognize the movement of the golfer from one hole to the other.

Golf GPS Device with Playing Hole Determination

During a play in a hole, sometimes golfers travel to another hole before finishing the play in the particular hole for various reasons. For example, a golfer playing in one hole (e.g., Hole 4) hits by mistake her ball to an area of another hole (e.g., Hole 11) that is adjacent to the hole (Hole 4) she is playing. Then, the golfer travels to the other hole (Hole 11) to complete her play for the playing hole (Hole 4). When the golfer uses a golf GPS device with the automatic hole recognition feature, the GPS device will recognize the other hole (Hole 11) when the golfer travels from her playing hole (Hole 4) to the hole in which her ball is located (Hole 11), e.g., when her golf GPS device enters a predetermined area of the other hole (Hole 11).

As the golf GPS device recognizes the other hole (Hole 11), the device will automatically compute and display on its screen the distance between the device and the green (or a position on the green) of the other hole (Hole 11). Sometimes this automatic actions of the device may confuse the golfer as the information displayed on the screen is different from what the golfer will likely look for, i.e., the distance between the device and the green (or a portion of the green) of the playing hole (Hole 4). In case the golfer recognizes that the displayed information is not what she is looking for, then the golfer would need to override what the device has done by changing the hole (Hole 11) that the device automatically recognized to the hole (Hole 4) that the golfer is playing. To do that the golfer should know how to change the hole that she is playing in the device. Typically such a change would require multiple actions of the golfer such as changing the currently displayed hole to the next hole (either immediately previous or subsequent hole) of the golf course until the golfer reaches the playing hole. When the playing hole is Hole 4 and the currently displayed hole is Hole 11, the golfer may have to transition the hole from Hole 11 to Hole 10, then to Hole 9 . . . until Hole 4 is displayed.

In embodiments of the invention, when the golf GPS automatically recognizes the change of holes, then the device automatically determines whether the new hole is immediately subsequent to the previously displayed hole. Further the golf GPS device provides a user interface in which two or more hole numbers are displayed for selection of the golfer. Then, the golfer can select the appropriate hole based on the status of the golf game. In other embodiments, the golf GPS device is equipped with a physical or electronic hot key for returning to the previously played hole when the device recognizes the hole change and has displayed information of the new hole. When the golfer hits the hot key, then the golf GPS device displays the information of the previously played hole.

Predetermined Area

The predetermined area or boundary for automatic hole recognition feature can vary from hole to hole. In embodiments, the predetermined area covers only a portion of a particular hole or covers substantially all area of a particular hole. In some embodiments, the predetermined area covers certain portions of a particular hole in which typically golfers travel when advancing to the next hole during golf plays. In some embodiments, the predetermined area of a hole covers the tee-off area of the hole. In some embodiments, one hole may have more than one predetermined area.

User's Option in the Clip Mode

In embodiments, for the clip mode, the device provides the user with the option for selecting one of i) not displaying the determined distance on the display screen, ii) displaying the determined distance on the display screen in the second orientation different from the first orientation, and iii) upon a user request, generating sound of the determined distance at a second volume higher than the first volume or the user's adjusted volume. Such option for selecting is provided to the user in a context of setting user preferences. In one embodiment, the option for selecting is provided upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate.

Pre-Selected Option for the Clip Mode

In embodiments, the option of not displaying the determined distance is pre-selected such that upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, which includes not displaying the determined distance on the display screen. In one embodiment, the option of generating sound at the second volume is also pre-selected such that upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, which includes not displaying the determined distance on the display screen and generating sound of the determined distance at the second volume.

In embodiments, the option of displaying the determined distance in the second orientation is pre-selected such that upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, which includes displaying the determined distance on the display screen in the second orientation different from the first orientation. In one embodiment, the option of generating sound at the second volume is also pre-selected such that upon determining that an object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface by spring action of the spring plate, the one or more processors cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, which includes not displaying the determined distance on the display screen and generating sound of the determined distance at the second volume.

In some embodiments, a user request for changing the one or more pre-select options to one or more remaining options can be received. In response to the request, the device changes the one or more pre-select options to one or more remaining options, and operates the user interface in the clip mode in the changed options.

Memory

In some embodiments, the memory is sufficiently large as to store data of many different golf courses from around the world. Each course can have 9 or 18 holes. Further, in certain embodiments, audio and visual data in multiple languages can be stored in the memory.

Device Specification

In an embodiment, the size of golf GPS device described herein is relatively small compared to those that are generally available in the market as of the filing of this application. For example, in some embodiments, the front and back surfaces of the golf GPS device are smaller than about 5 cm long and about 5 cm wide. In certain embodiments, the device is less than about 2 cm thick. In some embodiments, the golf GPS device is about 4.28 cm long, about 4.28 cm wide, and about 1.1 cm thick. In an embodiment, the golf GPS device is less than about 30 g in weight including the battery. In some embodiments, the golf GPS device is about 28 g in weight including the battery.

General External Structure

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device has a front surface (FIG. 1C), a back surface (FIG. 1D), and a plurality of circumferential surfaces (FIGS. 1E-1F) that interconnect the front surface and the back surface. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an overview of the general external structure of one embodiment of the golf GPS device.

Front Surface

FIG. 1C illustrates the front surface of one embodiment of the golf GPS device. In the depicted embodiment, the front surface of the golf GPS device comprises a display 102 and main button 104.

Display

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device can comprise one or more displays. In some embodiments, the display is an LCD screen although not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the display is an LED screen or any other display means to be developed. In certain embodiments, the display is a color display. In other embodiments, the display is not a color display but is grayscale.

In some embodiments, the display covers substantially the whole front surface, back surface, or one or more circumferential surfaces. In other embodiments, the display covers only a portion of the front surface, back surface, or one or more circumferential surfaces. For example, the display can be about one half the front surface area or smaller.

In some embodiments, the display is configured to display details of a golf course where the golf GPS device is currently located. Such details can include the distance between the golf GPS device's current location and various locations along the course of a particular hole. Such locations can include the front of the green, back of the green, center of the green, front of a hazard, back of a hazard, front of the fairway, back of the fairway, the hole cup, and any other notable locations along a golf course. The display can be further configured to display details of a golf course of the user's choice. In other embodiments, the display is configured to display only a map of the green of a particular hole. For example, the particular hole can be where the golf GPS device is currently located. In some embodiments, the display is configured to display the hole number and/or par number of the hole the device is currently located at or any other hole.

Main Button

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device can comprise a main button configured to initiate particular functions when pressed by a user.

In some embodiments, when a user presses the main button, the golf GPS device recognizes that the main button is pressed and informs the user of the distance from the device to the green. For example, the device can audibly report the distance to the user via one or more speakers or the device can visually display the distance to the user via one or more displays.

In certain embodiments, when a user presses and holds the main button for longer than a particular period of time, the device switches between determining the distance from the device to the front of the green, back of the green, and center of the green. The particular period of time can be, for example, about 1 second, about 2 seconds, about 3 seconds, about 4 seconds, about 5 seconds, or any other time period.

Back Surface

FIG. 1D illustrates the back surface of one embodiment of the golf GPS device. In the depicted embodiment, the back surface of the golf GPS device comprises a speaker(s) 114 and a clip 116.

Speaker

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device can comprise one or more speakers. In some embodiments, the speaker is located on the back surface of the golf GPS device. In other embodiments, the speaker is located on the front surface or one or more circumferential surfaces.

In an embodiment, the speaker is configured to audibly report to the user information relating to distances and/or other features of the golf course. For example, the device can be configured to audibly report to the user the distance between the golf GPS device's current location and various locations along the course of a particular hole. Such locations can include the front of the green, back of the green, center of the green, front of a hazard, back of a hazard, front of the fairway, back of the fairway, the hole cup, and any other notable locations along a golf course. In some embodiments, the golf GPS device can report such distances and/or features to the user in more than one language. In certain embodiments, the golf GPS device can also audibly report to the user the hole number, par number, and/or name of the golf course where the device is currently located.

In some embodiments, the voice reporting may be only activated upon receiving instructions from a user. For example, the instruction can be pressing a button on the device or other method of input.

Clip

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device has a clip on the device. In the depicted embodiment, the clip 114 is located over a portion of the back surface. In some embodiments, the clip is attached to the back surface of the device. In certain embodiments, the clip is attached to a circumferential surface of the device. In other embodiments, the clip is attached to the front surface of the device. Such clip can be used to attach the device to a player/user. In some embodiments, the clip can be used to attach the device to an article of clothing of the player/user. For example, the clip can be used to attach the device to a hat as depicted in FIG. 3 . Also, the clip can be used to attach the device to a belt as depicted in FIG. 4 .

In embodiments, the clip or a portion of the clip is electrically connected to a circuit or a sensor so as to detect clipping or grip by the sensor. In some embodiments, the integrated clip can be removed, i.e., disintegrable from the body without use of any tools. In one embodiment, the body of the GPS device includes a structure such as slot or slit for engaging with the clip. The clip can then be removed from or disengaged with the such a structure to be disintegrated.

Circumferential Surfaces

FIGS. 1E-1F illustrate the circumferential surfaces of one embodiment of the golf GPS device. In the depicted embodiment, the circumferential surfaces include a plurality of buttons for user input and a data port. Other embodiments may or may not comprise one or more buttons for user input and/or a data port. In certain embodiments, the one or more buttons for user input and/or data port can all be located on one of the circumferential surfaces. In other embodiments, the one or more buttons for user input and/or data port can be located on a plurality of circumferential surfaces.

Power Button

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device comprises a power button. In the depicted embodiment, a power button 106 is located on a circumferential surface of the device and is configured to turn the device on or off. In other embodiments, the power button can be located on the front surface, back surface, or any other circumferential surface. In certain embodiments, the golf GPS device does not comprise a separate power button.

Position Mark Button

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device comprises a position mark button. In the depicted embodiment, a position mark button 108 is located on a circumferential surface of the device.

In some embodiments, when a user presses the position mark button 108, the device visually displays a position mark view which indicates that the current position (first location) of the device is stored. The user can subsequently press the position mark button 108 while at a second location, which triggers the device to calculate the distance between the first location and the second location using the GPS module. For example, the user can press the position mark button 108 before and after swinging at a ball to determine the user's range.

In certain embodiments, when a user presses and holds the position mark button 108 for longer than a particular period of time, the device displays the current time. The particular period of time can be, for example, about 1 second, about 2 seconds, about 3 seconds, about 4 seconds, about 5 seconds, or any other time period.

Volume Control

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device comprises a volume control for controlling the volume of the audio speaker(s). In the depicted embodiment, a volume control 110 is located on a circumferential surface of the device.

In some embodiments, the volume control can trigger additional functions other than controlling the volume. For example, in certain embodiments, when a user presses and holds the plus volume button for longer than a particular period of time, the device switches between yards and meters as the unit of distance measurement. Further, in certain embodiments, when a user presses and holds the minus volume button for longer than a particular period of time, the golf GPS device switches between alternate greens on the golf course. In other words, the device switches between determining distances from the device to points on alternate greens of the same golf course. The particular period of time can be, for example, about 1 second, about 2 seconds, about 3 seconds, about 4 seconds, about 5 seconds, or any other time period.

Data Port

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device includes one or more ports to connect the golf GPS device to a computer. Such ports can be USB, mini USB, micro USB, firewire, or any other ports to be developed. The data port can be located on the front surface, back surface, or circumferential surface of the device. In the depicted embodiment, a data port 112 is located on the corner of two circumferential surfaces. The data port can be configured such that a data cable of the sort described above can be plugged into the device. For example, in the depicted embodiment, a micro USB 5 pin data cable can be used to connect the golf GPS device to a computer. In some embodiments, a user can connect the golf GPS device to a computer using one of such ports to download software updates, update golf course maps, or additional golf course maps. In another embodiment, the golf GPS device includes a wireless port, which enables the golf GPS device to wirelessly connect to a computer.

Device Cover

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device can be covered with a cover or a case 202. This cover can be substantially waterproof or water resistant to protect the golf GPS device from coming into contact with water. In one embodiment, the case 202 is made of silicon. In some embodiments, the cover covers the whole front surface where the display is located while leaving a substantial portion of the back side uncovered so the functionality of the speaker(s) located on the back surface is not hindered. In other embodiments, the cover can have holes or vents configured to be placed over the speaker(s) as to not substantially hinder the functionality of the speaker(s), regardless of whether the speaker(s) is located on the front surface, back surface, or circumferential surfaces.

Hole Recognition

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device automatically identifies the particular hole of a particular golf course where the device is located. In some embodiments, for example, the GPS module of the golf GPS device uses one or more GPS satellites to determine the location of the device. In certain embodiments, the golf GPS device can use the determined location and the plurality of golf course maps stored in the memory of the device to further identify which golf course and/or which hole thereof the device is currently located.

General Hole Information

In an embodiment, once the golf GPS device has identified the particular hole of a particular golf course where the device is currently located, the device further conveys information about the particular hole to the user. In some embodiments, the device can be configured to automatically convey such information when it identifies the particular hole of a particular golf course where the device is currently located. In other embodiments, the device can be configured to convey such information when it receives a particular input from the user. For example, in some embodiments, the golf GPS device can display or verbally report using the speakers the total distance from the tee box to the center of the green or the hole cup. In some embodiments, the golf GPS device displays or verbally reports the hole number and/or par number of that hole. All or a portion of such information can be stored in the device's memory.

Shot Distance

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device can be configured to determine the shot distance of the user's swing. For example, in some embodiments, a user can press a button or otherwise instruct the golf GPS device to store a current position of the golf GPS device. Upon receiving such input, the golf GPS device can utilize its GPS module to determine the current location of the device.

In certain embodiments, such feature of the golf GPS device can be utilized to measure the shot distance of a user. For example, in some embodiments, a user can select a unique input before swinging. Upon receiving this input, the golf GPS device utilizes the GPS module to determine the location of the device before swinging (first location). After swinging, the user can relocate to the subsequent location of the ball and select the unique input again. Upon receiving the input, the golf GPS device again utilizes the GPS module to determine the location of the device, now after swinging (second location). In certain embodiments, the golf GPS device can determine the shot distance by determining the distance between the first location and the second location based on their coordinates identified by the GPS module. The shot distance can be visually displayed or audibly reported to the user.

Current Location and Related Information

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device is configured to determine the current location of the device using the GPS module and further convey related information to the user. For example, in some embodiments, the golf GPS device displays or verbally reports distances between the current location of the device to the front, back, and/or center of the green. To determine such distances, the golf GPS device, in certain embodiments, utilizes its GPS module to determine the device's current location and further utilizes its database of golf course maps stored in its memory. In some embodiments, the golf GPS device comprises a button or other input that a user can select to trigger the device to determine and convey such distances to the user via its display and/or speaker(s).

Hole Selection

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device comprises a button and/or other input that allows the user to manually select a particular hole the golf GPS device is to track. For example, in some embodiments, upon pressing the button and/or other input, the device displays and toggles through hole numbers. The user can stop and select a desired hole when it is displayed on the display. In certain embodiments, the input is a combination of more than one button. For example, in certain embodiments, a user can press the main button 104 and the plus volume control 110 to bring up a hole selection screen that displays a particular hole number. Then, the user can use the volume control 110 to toggle through different hole numbers in sequential order and select a desired hole.

Distance Unit

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device comprises a button and/or other input that allows the user to select a unit of distance to be used by the device when conveying information to the user. For example, in some embodiments, the distance unit can include but is not limited to meters and yards. In certain embodiments, the input is a combination of more than one button.

Audio and/or Display Mode Selection

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device is configured to report information related to tracking data, as discussed above, to the user via audio only, video only, or both. Depending on the situation, the user/player may only want to audibly hear such reports, only view such reports on the display, or both. For example, when a user/player has attached the golf GPS device to an article of clothing, such as a hat or belt, then the user/player may not visually see the information displayed on the device. In such situations, the user/player would rather have the golf GPS device only report the information via audio and have the display screen turned off to save battery life associated with displaying the information on the display screen. However, when a user/player is holding the device in his or her hands to view information on the display, the user/player would want the display screen to be on. In such situations, the user/player may also want the audio function to be on or off.

Audio and/or Display Mode Selection—Manual Input

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device includes an input that the user/player can select to instruct the device to switch between audio-only, display-only, and audio-display modes. In some embodiments, the input is a single button. The single button can be located on the front surface, the back surface, or any of the circumferential surfaces. In other embodiments, the input is a combination of more than one button that a user has to press at once or according to some unique pattern. Further, in certain embodiments, the input is a touch pattern, motion, or any predefined touch input on a touchscreen input located on the golf GPS device.

Audio and/or Display Mode Selection—Automatic Input

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device is configured to automatically determine if the golf GPS device is clipped and turn the display screen on or off depending on the determination. For example, if the golf GPS device determines that the device is clipped, the device can be configured to automatically turn off the display screen. If the golf GPS device determines that the device is not clipped, the device can be configured to automatically turn on the display screen. Further, in some embodiments, the audio mode is automatically turned on when the golf GPS device is clipped. The audio mode is automatically turned off in certain embodiments when the golf GPS device is not clipped. In other embodiments, the audio function remains turned on until a user/player manually turns it off.

Sensors

In embodiments, the one or more processors determine the clip mode without any user input to the golf GPS device. For this, the device further includes one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one physical property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface and to provide information indicative of the monitored physical property to the one or more processors. The at least one physical property is selected from the group consisting of capacitance, resistance, piezoelectricity, electric current, electric potential, magnetism, pressure, tension, and deflection.

In embodiments, the one or more sensors include a first electrode in the clip and a second electrode on the rear surface or inside the body. The one or more processors are configured to determine the clip mode when detecting that at least one property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface reaches and exceeds a predetermined value with the grip of the portion of the object. The one or more processors are configured to determine a non-clip mode when detecting that at least one property in either or both of the spring plate and the rear surface falls behind the same or another predetermined value or lower with the grip of the portion of the object.

In one embodiment, when no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, the first and second electrodes are in contact with each other. Upon gripping the object between the spring plate and the rear surface, the one or more sensors monitor property indicative of disconnecting of the first and second electrodes.

In another embodiment, when no object is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface, the first and second electrodes are apart from each other at a gap therebetween. Upon gripping the object between the spring plate and the rear surface, the one or more sensors monitor property indicative of increase of the gap.

In embodiments, the one or more sensors monitor deflection of a portion of the clip, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the clip mode when detecting that the deflection reaches and exceeds a predetermined value. The one or more processors are configured to determine a non-clip mode when detecting that the deflection falls behind the same or another predetermined value.

Audio and/or Display Mode Selection—Sensors for Automatic Input

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device or portions thereof can include one or more sensors that are configured to determine whether the device is clipped or not. In some embodiments, the sensor(s) is configured to determine whether there is physical contact between the sensor(s) and another surface. In other embodiments, the sensor(s) is configured to determine whether the clip is widened or not. In some embodiments, the sensor is an electrical sensor that comprises one or more electrodes. In certain embodiments, the sensor can detect capacitance, resistance, piezoelectricity, current, electric potential, changes thereof, and/or any other electrical variable. In other embodiments, the sensor is a mechanical sensor that can detect tension, pressure, changes thereof, and/or any other mechanical variable. One skilled in the art would understand alternative techniques that are available for the general purposes described herein.

Audio and/or Display Mode Selection—Sensor on Back Surface

In some embodiments, a sensor or its electrode is located on the back surface of the golf GPS device or a portion thereof. For example, in certain embodiments, a sensor or its electrode is located on the back surface of the device that is covered by the clip. Generally, this portion of the back surface does not come into contact with another surface unless the device is clipped. In some embodiments, once the sensor(s) detects that there is physical contact with another surface, this information is sent to the processor which further transmits instructions to turn the display mode off and/or turn the audio mode on. Conversely, in some embodiments, when the sensor(s) detects that there is no physical contact with another surface, this information is sent to the processor which further transmits instructions to turn the display mode on and/or turn the audio mode off.

Audio and/or Display Mode Selection—Sensor on Outside Surface of Clip

In certain embodiments, a sensor or its electrode is located on the outside surface of the clip that faces the opposite direction as the front surface of the golf GPS device. Generally, when the golf GPS device is clipped, the outside surface of the clip is not in contact with another surface. However, when a player holds the golf GPS device in his or her hands to view the display, the outside surface of the clip comes into contact with another surface. In some embodiments, once the sensor(s) detects that there is physical contact with another surface, this information is sent to the processor which further transmits instructions to turn the display mode on and/or turn the audio mode off. Conversely, in some embodiments, when the sensor(s) detects that there is no physical contact with another surface, this information is sent to the processor which further transmits instructions to turn the display mode off and/or turn the audio mode on.

Audio and/or Display Mode Selection—Sensor on Circumferential Surface

In some embodiments, a sensor or its electrode is located on the circumferential surface of the golf GPS device or a portion thereof. Generally, the circumferential surface does not come into contact with another surface while the device is clipped. However, when a player holds the golf GPS device in his or her hands to view the display, the circumferential surface comes into contact with another surface. In some embodiments, once the sensor(s) detects that there is physical contact with another surface, this information is sent to the processor which further transmits instructions to turn the display mode on and/or turn the audio mode off. Conversely, in some embodiments, when the sensor(s) detects that there is no physical contact with another surface, this information is sent to the processor which further transmits instructions to turn the display mode off and/or turn the audio mode on.

Audio and/or Display Mode Selection—Sensor on Hinge of Clip

In some embodiments, a sensor or its electrode is located on the hinge of a clip and is configured to determine whether the clip is widened or not. In some embodiments, once the sensor(s) detects that the clip is widened, this information is sent to the processor which further transmits instructions to turn the display mode off and/or turn the audio mode on. Conversely, in some embodiments, when the sensor(s) detects that the clip is not widened, this information is sent to the processor which further transmits instructions to turn the display mode on and/or turn the audio mode off.

Audio and/or Display Mode Selection—Examples

In some embodiments, an electric potential sensor or its electrode is located on the back surface of the device and/or a portion of the clip that contacts the back surface when the device is not clipped. The electric potential sensor can be configured to detect the electric potential on the back surface of the device and the portion of the clip that contacts the back surface when the device is not clipped. In some embodiments, if the electric potential values detected from both surfaces are the same, then the golf GPS device determines that the device is not clipped. In other embodiments, if the electric potential values detected from both surfaces are different, then the golf GPS device determines that the device is clipped.

In certain embodiments, a capacitance sensor or its electrode is located on the back surface. The capacitance sensor can be configured to detect the capacitance between the back surface of the device and another surface in contact with the back surface. In some embodiments, the golf GPS device is configured to compare the detected capacitance values with one or more pre-stored values or other detected values and determine whether the device is clipped or not based on such determination.

Other Sensors

In embodiments, the device includes a gyroscope. The one or more processors detect the orientation of the device based on information from the gyroscope. The one or more processors further determine that the device is clipped with a golfer's headwear, in which a portion of the headwear is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface. Upon determining that the device is clipped with a portion of the golfer's headwear, the one or more processors cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, in which the determined distance displayed on the display screen is turned off. In embodiments, the one or more processors determine that the device is clipped with a golfer's headwear, when the front surface is generally facing away from the ground or the rear surface is generally facing the ground for a predetermined period of time.

In some embodiments, the one or more processors further determine that the device is clipped with a golfer's waist belt, in which a portion of the golfer's waist belt is gripped between the spring plate and the rear surface. Upon determining that the device is clipped with a portion of the golfer's waist belt, the one or more processors cause the user interface to operate in the clip mode, in which the orientation of the determined distance displayed on the display screen is changed to the second orientation. The one or more processors determine that the device is clipped with a golfer's waist belt, when the front and rear surfaces is facing generally in a horizontal direction for a predetermined period of time.

In embodiments, the device includes one or more temperature sensors. The one or more processors determine that the device is clipped with a golfer's waist belt, when a temperature detected on the side of rear surface is substantially higher than a temperature detected on the side of front surface.

Determination of Playing Hole Based on Map Information

In embodiments, the map information includes geographical or locational information of features of golf holes. Referring to FIG. 10 , holes 400 and 450 comprises a greens 404 and 454 and a tee-off areas 402 and 452. Map information of each hole comprises locational information of the green 404 or 454 and locational information of the tee-off area 402 or 452 and the hole number pre-assigned to that hole. The feature of the first hole 400 comprises a position of or associated with the green 404 of the first hole 402, wherein the position of or associated with the green 404 is predetermined and included in the map information of the first hole 400 or chosen by a predetermined algorithm at the time of computing the first distance.

In embodiments, each hole map information comprises a predetermined area defined with a boundary line or boundary lines on a map of that hole 400 or 450. The boundary line or lines of the predetermined area does not accurately follow the boundary of the hole as published by the golf course. The predetermined area is used for determining whether the device is located within the hole such that when the device is located within the predetermined area of the second hole, then the processor determine that the device is located in the second hole 450.

In embodiments, the predetermined area of each hole does not encompass a portion of the hole. The processor may determine that the device remains located in the first hole 400 once the device is within the predetermined area of the first hole 400 and leaves the predetermined area of the first hole 400 as long as the device does not enter the predetermined area of another hole, for example hole 450

In embodiments, the processor may determine that the device has moved from the first hole 400 to the second hole 450, when the device travels from a location within the predetermined area of the first hole to outside the predetermined area of the first hole, and then enters the predetermined area of the second hole.

Unintended Playing Hole Change

In some situations, a player, while playing on hole X (400 in FIG. 10 ), accidently hits the ball to the course of hole Y (450 in FIG. 10 ) before completing playing on hole X. In certain situations, hole Y is the subsequent hole after hole X. However in other situations, hole Y is simply a neighboring hole or a hole that is close to hole X and not the subsequent hole. In some embodiments, once the player moves to the location of the ball on hole Y, the golf GPS device will automatically recognize that the device is now located on the course of hole Y. The golf GPS device will further begin to determine distances between the device's current location on hole Y and various features along hole Y, such as those discussed above. However, because the player has not yet completed hole X, the player would rather want to know distances between the player (or the device) and various features of hole X.

In an embodiment, the player-user can manually select hole X on the device as to instruct the device to determine and report distances from the device to various features of hole X. However, this can be time consuming and/or inconvenient depending on the manual selection system, especially if the user has to scroll through a list of a plurality of holes to select hole X.

User Selection of Playing Hole

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 , in embodiments, in order to allow a user to select hole X on the device, the processor 300 of the golf GPS device is configured to repeatedly determine in which one of the plurality of holes the device is located, and to determine if the device has moved from a first one 400 of the plurality of holes to a second one 450 of the plurality of holes. Once determined that the device has moved from the first hole 400 to the second hole 450, the processor determines whether or not the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole in terms of the pre-assigned hole numbers of the first and second holes in the golf course. When determined that the second hole 450 is not immediately subsequent to the first hole 400 in terms of the pre-assigned hole numbers of the first and second holes in the golf course, the processor causes to display for selection by a user the hole numbers of the first and second holes on the display screen as shown in FIG. 7 . Upon the user's selection of the hole number of the first hole 400, the processor computes a distance between the device and a feature 404 of the first hole 400 and causes to display the computed distance on the display screen and the hole number of the first hole 400 as illustrated in FIG. 8 .

When the user select the second hole 450, the processor computes a distance between the device and a feature 454 of the second hole 450 and causes to display the computed distance on the display screen and the hole number of the second hole 450.

Automatic Change to Next Hole

With continuous reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 , when determined that the second hole 450 is immediately subsequent to the first hole, the processor determines if the device has stayed within a predetermined zone 408 of the first hole 400 before moving to the second hole 450. When determined that the device has not stayed within the predetermined zone 408, the processor computes the first distance between the device and the feature, for example, the green 404 of the first hole 400 and causes to display the computed first distance on the display screen,

For this, the map information of the holes 400 and 450 include the predetermined zones 408 and 458, which comprise an arbitrarily defined area on a map of the corresponding hole. The areas encompass one or more features of hole, for example, at least part of the green 404, a golf cart paths 406 and 456 next to the greens 404, 454, an area adjacent the green 404, and an area surrounding the green 404. The zone 408 includes the green 404. Alternatively, the zone 458 exclude the green 454 while surrounding the green 454. In embodiments, the predetermined zones 408 and 458 do not include tee-off areas 402 and 452.

In embodiments, when determined that the second hole is immediately subsequent to the first hole 400, the processor determines if the device has stayed within a predetermined zone 404 of the first hole for a predetermined period or longer before moving to the second hole 450. When determined that the device has stayed within the predetermined zone 404 for the predetermined period or longer, only then the processor computes a distance between the device and a feature 454 of the second hole 450 and causes to display the computed distance on the display screen.

Hot Key Function

In some embodiments, the golf GPS device includes a hot key or some other unique input that the user can select or otherwise input to accelerate this process. Upon receiving input to trigger the hot key feature, the golf GPS device can automatically identify the immediately previous hole where the device was located without having to go through other holes intervening between holes X and Y in order. The golf GPS device can further determine and convey to the user information related to features of the immediately previous hole, such as but not limited to distances between the device's current location to various features of the immediately previous hole.

In certain embodiments, upon receiving such unique input, the golf GPS device determines whether the immediately previous hole was completed or not. In order to do so, in some embodiments, the device can determine one or more of whether the device was within a certain distance of the hole cup of the immediately previous hole and whether the device was ever located on the green of the immediately previous hole. If the device determines that it was, then in certain embodiments, the device confirms that the player accidently moved to another hole before completing the previous hole.

This hot key function is not limited to golf GPS devices of any particular type. Rather, the hot key function may be incorporated into any type of golf GPS device. For example, any of the golf GPS devices illustrated in FIG. 5B 502, 504, 506, 508 can comprise the hot key function described herein.

Hot Key Input

In an embodiment, the hot key is a single button that is located on the front surface, the back surface, or the circumferential surfaces. In another embodiment, the hot key is a plurality of buttons that a user has to press or otherwise select. Such plurality of buttons can be located on the front surface, the back surface, or the circumferential surfaces. In certain embodiments, individual buttons of the plurality of buttons can be located on different surfaces among the front surface, the back surface, and the circumferential surfaces. For example, in an embodiment, a user can press the main button 104 and the position mark button 108 together at the same time to trigger the hot key function.

Further, in an embodiment, the hot key is not a physical button but is a unique pressing pattern on a touchscreen input located on the golf GPS device. In some embodiments, the display itself is a touchscreen upon which a user can input the unique pressing pattern to trigger the hot key. In certain embodiments, the unique pressing pattern can be a unique sliding motion, a unique tapping motion, or a unique combination of any touch screen input.

No Hot Key Input

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device does not comprise a hot key but is configured to automatically perform the hot key function under particular circumstances. For example, in some embodiments, when the golf GPS device detects that the location of the device has moved from a point on hole X to hole Y, the golf GPS device is configured to determine whether hole Y is the immediately subsequent hole in order. In some embodiments, if hole Y is not the immediately subsequent hole in order, then the hot key function is automatically triggered. In certain embodiments, if hole Y is the immediately subsequent hole in order, then the hot key function is not triggered.

In certain embodiments, when the golf GPS device detects that the location of the device has moved from a point on hole X to hole Y, the golf GPS device is configured to determine whether hole X was completed by one or more methods described above. In some embodiments, if the golf GPS device determines that hole X was not completed, then the hot key function is automatically triggered. In certain embodiments, if the golf GPS device determines that hole X was completed, then the hot key function is not triggered.

In some embodiments, the hot key function is automatically triggered when the golf GPS device determines that hole Y is not the immediately subsequent hole to hole X in order and that hole X was not completed. In other embodiments, the hot key function is automatically triggered when the golf GPS device determines that hole Y is not the immediately subsequent hole to hole X in order or that hole X was not completed.

Dynamic Green View

In an embodiment, the golf GPS device displays a view of the green of the hole where the device is currently located. In general, depending on the location of the player relative to the green, the view of the green as seen from the player's point of view will be different. In some embodiments, the golf GPS device automatically determines the direction from which the player will be approaching the green and tilts the display of the green accordingly on the display. In other words, the golf GPS device displays the view of the green as seen from the player's location.

Smart Golf Pin System

In some embodiments, a smart golf pin system is used to provide a golf hole information to the golfer. The golf hole information includes, for example, a location of the golf hole cup in a green, a distance between a golfer and the golf hole cup, the hole number of the hole that the golfer is currently playing, etc. For example, a golfer may arrive at the first tee box with a user device (e.g., smartphone, smartwatch, a golf watch, etc.), the certain GPS coordinate information may be transmitted onto the user device. Then, the user device may determine the hole that the golfer is currently playing (e.g., hole 1) using one or more techniques described herein. The user device may then display certain GPS information (e.g., distance to the pin that is more accurate than estimates such as distance to the front/center/back of the green) that corresponds to the determined hole.

Smart Golf Pin Device

FIG. 11 describes an example of a smart golf pin device mounted on a flag/pin located on the green of one of the holes of a golf course. As shown in FIG. 11 , a smart golf pin device 1120 can be used to transmit the specific location of the hole cup 1140 to a golf device for use in calculating a more accurate distance from the location of the golf device to the hole cup 1140. In some embodiments, the smart golf pin device 1120 determines updated GPS coordinates corresponding to its current location periodically (e.g., every 30 minutes) or according to a set schedule (e.g., every hour while the golf course is open). In other embodiments, the smart golf pin device 1120 determines updated GPS coordinates corresponding to its current location in response to a certain event (e.g., in response to the hole cup location being changed, in response to a request from another device, or in response to a user input or activation of a button on the smart golf pin device 1120). The smart golf pin device 1120 may also enter sleep mode (e.g., when update or transmission of GPS coordinates is not needed) or shutdown mode (e.g., when it's dark, or when the golf course is closed).

The smart golf pin device 1120 can be attached to the flag 1130 as shown in FIG. 11 . The smart golf pin device 1120 can store the received GPS signal and transmit the received GPS information to another device via wireless communication. The smart golf pin device 1120 may support one or more of a variety of types of wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth or any commercially available wireless communication link.

Components of Smart Golf Pin Device

The smart golf pin device 1120 may include (i) one or more reflectors configured to boost the wireless signal strength and/or extend the wireless communication range of the smart golf pin device 1120, (ii) a GPS module configured to receive GPS signals and determine the current location (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the smart golf pin device 1120, (iii) a wind sensor configured to determine the current wind speed at or near the smart golf pin device 1120 and/or the current wind direction at or near the smart golf pin device 1120, (iv) a wireless module for transmitting data to another device (e.g., to transmit the GPS coordinates of the smart golf pin device 1120 to a nearby computing device via Bluetooth), (v) a mechanism for attaching the smart golf pin device 1120 to the golf pin (e.g., a circular hole into which the golf pin can be inserted and allow the smart golf pin device 1120 to attach to the golf pin), (vi) a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery for powering the components of the smart golf pin device 1120, (vii) a processor configured to perform one or more of the operations described herein, (viii) a solar power charger for charging the battery, and/or (ix) a storage device for storing the GPS coordinates, the current battery life, the device ID of the smart golf pin device 1120, etc., or any combination thereof.

Golf Holes and Golf Carts

FIG. 12 describes an example of a golf course 1200 implementing the smart golf pin system. In some embodiments, a separate smart golf pin device 1120 is installed in every flag 1130 located within a green of each hole of the golf course 1200. One or more golfers may drive from hole to hole on a golf cart 1210.

Data Transmitted by Smart Golf Pin Device

The smart golf pin device 1120 may transmit data (also referred to herein as smart pin data) to other computing devices such as the tablet computers attached to the golf carts, golf watches worn by golfers, smartphones used by golfers, and/or signal relay devices configured to relay the data to other such devices. Such data can be used to present useful information to the golfers such as distance to the golf pin and/or to be processed by a central server for generating analytics data. Such data can include a unique ID of the smart golf pin device 1120, the longitude and latitude of the smart golf pin device 1120, time at which the longitude and latitude information was determined or refreshed, remaining life of the battery of the smart golf pin device 1120, wind speed and/or direction at or near the smart golf pin device 1120, an image showing the exact location of the smart golf pin device 1120 (e.g., an image of the green with a dot on the exact location of the smart golf pin device 1120), a photograph showing the exact location of the smart golf pin device 1120 (e.g., a photograph showing the pin and the green, illustrating the current location of the pin relative to the green), and/or any combination thereof.

In the event that the data is transmitted to an intermediary device such as a portable computing device (e.g., tablet), one or more signal relay devices, and/or a central server, before the data (or a processed version of the data) is transmitted to the user device on which the information is presented to the golfer, additional information can be added along the way, such as: (i) remaining life of the battery of the intermediary device(s), (ii) the time at which the data was received by the intermediary device(s), (iii) the unique ID of the intermediary device(s), and/or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, an intermediary device attached to or located inside the golf cart can get smart pin data from the smart golf pin devices 1120 via Bluetooth. If the golf cart cannot go close enough to the pin location (e.g., within Bluetooth signal range), a golfer can take the intermediary device out of the golf cart and bring it nearer the pin location. Alternatively or additionally, pin data can be collected by Bluetooth devices of golfers such as smartphones or golf watches. In some cases, the smart pin data is encoded and/or encrypted in a manner that can only be decoded and/or decrypted by special software installed on the central server and/or the user devices (e.g., mobile app having the appropriate key).

Central Server

In some embodiments, the data collected from the smart golf pin devices 1120 across the golf course (or across multiple golf courses) is stored and processed on a central server, and the central server can distribute the relevant data to the individual golfers via a mobile application installed on their smartphones, smartwatches, or golf watches. In such embodiments, the central server may also aggregate information regarding when and where the pins were placed over time and generate analytics data (e.g., determine how often pin location changes, identify most frequently used pin locations by time of day or day of week in a hole-specific and/or golf-course-specific manner). Such a central server may be located on site (e.g., at the golf course), or at a remote location (e.g., a dedicated physical server or in the “cloud” hosted by a cloud provider).

Signal Relay Devices

In some embodiments, the golf course 1200 may include one or more signal relay devices that may relay the wireless signal transmitted from the smart golf pin device 1120 to another computing device such as a tablet computer installed in the golf carts 1210 and/or user devices carried by the golfers (e.g., smartphone, smartwatch, or golf watch). For example, when a golfer enters the tee box of hole one, the information generated or stored by the smart golf pin device 1120 at the flag 1130 located on the green of hole one may be transmitted the golfer's device (e.g., either using the Internet via a central server or using shorter-range communication via a signal relay device closest to the golfer). Using a central server and/or signal relay devices, data generated or stored by the smart golf pin devices 1120 can be transmitted to the golfer on the golf course 1200 regardless of how far the golfer (or the golfer's device) is from the smart golf pin devices 1120. In some embodiments, the data generated or stored by the smart golf pin devices 1120 is transmitted directly to the golfer's device without going through an intermediary device such as a central server or a signal relay device.

Updating Distance to the Pin

FIG. 13 describes an example of a golf device user interface that can provide the golf hole information in real time. Illustratively, the golf device display 1310 can display a geometric shape of a green 1110 associated with the golf hole number where the golfer is currently playing. The golf device display 1310 also displays the location of hole 1140 and flag 1130.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13 , the smart golf pin system can track the golfer and provide a more accurate current distance to the current location of the pin in the particular hole that the golfer is playing. For example, as the golfer moves from location 1302 to location 1304, location 1306, and location 1308, the distance 1320 can be updated in real time. Although the smart golf pin device 1120, the flag 1130, and the hole 1140 are all shown in the golf device display 1310 in the example of FIG. 13 , in other embodiments, the golf device display 1310 may only show the hole 1140 (or an icon representing the hole) on the displayed green (e.g., at a location representative of the actual location of the hole 1140, the flag 1130, and/or the smart golf pin device 1120 within the actual green).

Current/Recent Nature of Pin GPS Coordinates

In some embodiments, the distance to the pin on the green that the golfer is currently playing (also referred to herein as current pin distance) that is displayed to the golfer is calculated based on GPS coordinates of the pin determined relatively recently (e.g., during the last 24 hours, during the last 2 days, during the past week, etc.). In other embodiments, the current pin distance displayed to the golfer is calculated based on predetermined GPS coordinates (e.g., more than a week ago, or more than a month ago).

In some embodiments, the user device of the golfer is configured to display the current pin distance based only on GPS coordinates or smart pin data that is updated within a threshold temporal window (e.g., based only on GPS coordinates obtained or determined by a smart golf pin device 1120 within the last 12 hours, within the last 24 hours, within the last 2 days, within the last 7 days, since the most recent hole cup location change schedule for the current golf course, etc.). If GPS coordinates or smart pin data satisfying such a threshold temporal window are not available, the user device may instead display one or more distances based on predetermined GPS coordinates or GPS data (e.g., predetermined GPS coordinates of the front of the green in the current hole, center of the green in the current hole, and/or the back of the green in the current hole).

Origin of GPS Coordinates Used

In some embodiments, the user device of the golfer is configured to display the current pin distance after confirming one or more of (i) the ID of the smart golf pin device 1120 from which the GPS coordinates used to determine the current pin distance originate, or (ii) the ID of one or more relay devices (e.g., tablet computer(s), signal relay device(s), central server(s), etc.) provided between the smart golf pin device 1120 and the user device in the network (and routing network traffic and/or smart pin data between the smart golf pin device 1120 and the user device).

Parsing Data from Smart Golf Pin Device

In some embodiments, the golf device receives a plurality of GPS signals from one or more smart golf pin devices 1120 installed at one or more flags. In these embodiments, the golf device may apply a parsing rule to identify each of the GPS signal associated with the specific smart golf pin device. For example, a golfer's device may receive GPS information from the smart golf pin devices 1120 installed at three different golf holes. In this example, the golfer's device may apply a parsing rule to identify the specific smart golf pin device (or the specific hole) from which the GPS signal is sent/received. After identifying the hole from which the GPS signals are sent, the golf device can calculate an accurate distance to the correct pin (or the smart pin device). In one example, the latitude value is multiplied by 1,000,000, converted to a hex number, and transmitted as a 4-byte value, and the longitude value is multiplied by 1,000,000, converted to a hex number, and transmitted as a 4-byte value, and the remaining battery life is transmitted as a 2-byte value, along with an ID value (e.g., “DECA”). Once the data is received, the golfer's device calculates the latitude value and the longitude value from the received 4-byte values, determines whether the location identified by the latitude/longitude values is part of the hole that the golfer is currently playing (e.g., based on the current location of the golfer's device), and if so, calculates the distance to the location and displays the distance as an accurate distance to the pin on the current hole.

Although not shown in FIG. 13 , in some embodiments, the golf pin distance is displayed along with one or more other distances such as distances to the front, center, and/or back of the green.

Example Routine #1

FIG. 14 is an example routine 1400 for providing hole cup information to a golfer. At block 1410, a user device receives GPS coordinates. The GPS coordinates may be those determined by one, or some, or all of the smart golf pin devices located throughout the golf course. At block 1420, the user device determines the current hole that the golfer's playing (e.g., by determining the current location of the user device and comparing the location to a map of the golf course to see which hole the current location corresponds to on the map).

At block 1430, the user device determines the hole represented by the received GPS coordinates. For example, the user device may compare the GPS coordinates to the map of the golf course and determine which hole the location represented by the GPS coordinates corresponds to on the map. In some cases where multiple sets of GPS coordinates are received at block 1410, the user device may repeat block 1430 for each such set.

At block 1440, the user device determines whether there is a match between the current hole and the hole represented by the GPS coordinates (or one of the sets of GPS coordinates). If there is a match (e.g., hole number is the same), the routine 1400 proceeds to block 1450, where the user device displays the distance from the current location of the user device to the location represented by the matching GPS coordinates to the golfer. Otherwise, the routine 1400 proceeds to block 1460, where the distance to the center of the green to the golfer. In some cases, the user device repeats block 1440 for each set of GPS coordinates received at block 1410, until there is a match or until there is no more set to consider.

The routine 1400 can include fewer, more, or different blocks than those illustrated in FIG. 14 and/or one or more blocks illustrated in FIG. 14 may be modified, omitted, or switched without departing from the spirit and scope of the description. Moreover, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and others that some or all of the functions described in this disclosure may be embodied in software executed by one or more processors of the user device and/or a central server disclosed herein.

Example Routine #2

FIG. 15 is another example routine 1500 for providing hole cup information to a golfer. At block 1510, a user device receives GPS coordinates. The GPS coordinates may be those determined by one, or some, or all of the smart golf pin devices located throughout the golf course. At block 1520, the user device determines the current hole that the golfer's playing (e.g., by determining the current location of the user device and comparing the location to a map of the golf course to see which hole the current location corresponds to on the map).

At block 1530, the user device selects a pair of GPS coordinates (e.g., longitude and latitude) from one or more pairs (or sets) of GPS coordinates received so far (or those in the most recently received batch of GPS coordinates), based on the determined current hole. If the current hole is hole one, the user device selects a pair of GPS coordinates that corresponds to hole one on that golf course. To determine whether a particular pair of GPS coordinates corresponds to a specific hole, the user device may compare the pair of GPS coordinates to the map of the golf course and determine which hole the pair of GPS coordinates falls under.

At block 1540, the user device calculates the distance from the current location of the user device to the location represented by the selected GPS coordinates. At block 1550, the user device displays the calculated distance to the golfer.

The routine 1500 can include fewer, more, or different blocks than those illustrated in FIG. 15 and/or one or more blocks illustrated in FIG. 15 may be modified, omitted, or switched without departing from the spirit and scope of the description. Moreover, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and others that some or all of the functions described in this disclosure may be embodied in software executed by one or more processors of the user device and/or a central server disclosed herein.

Triggers for Determination and Presentation of Hole Cup Information

In some embodiments, hole detection triggers one or more of the steps shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 . In other embodiments, detection of a hole change (e.g., according to the techniques described herein) triggers one or more of the steps shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 . In yet other embodiments, user input indicating or requesting a hole change (e.g., pressing a “next hole” button on the user device) triggers one or more of the steps shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 . In some cases, the distance from the user device to the location represented by the matching/selected GPS coordinates occurs in response to determining, by the user device, that the user device is within a predetermined distance from the location (or some other predetermined location such as the front/center/back of the green).

EXAMPLE IMPLEMENTATIONS (EIs)

Some enumerated example implementations (EIs) are provided in this section, without limitation.

EI 1: A system configured to provide hole cup information on a golf course, the system comprising: a plurality of GPS modules configured to transmit GPS signals, wherein the plurality of GPS modules are physically attached to a corresponding plurality of golf pins located throughout the golf course; and a user device configured to: receive multiple sets of GPS coordinates that each include a latitude and a longitude associated with one of the plurality of GPS modules located throughout the golf course; determine a current hole associated with the user device; select, based on the current hole associated with the user device, a first set of GPS coordinates from the multiple sets of GPS coordinates; and display, based on the selected first set of GPS coordinates, a distance from a current location of the user device to a current location of a golf pin corresponding to the current hole, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole.

EI 2: The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of GPS modules are configured to periodically determine updated GPS coordinate information.

EI 3: The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is configured to determine the current hole associated with the user device based on the current location of the user device determined using a GPS module of the user device.

EI 4: The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is configured to determine the current hole associated with the user device in response to detecting a hole change.

EI 5: The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is configured to determine the current hole associated with the user device in response to a user input requesting a hole change.

EI 6: The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of GPS modules are configured to transmit the GPS signals via Bluetooth.

EI 7: The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of signal relay devices configured to extend a signal range of one or more of the plurality of GPS modules.

EI 8: The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of computing devices configured to be moved across the golf course and to receive the GPS signals transmitted by one or more of the plurality of GPS modules; and a central server configured to receive golf pin data uploaded by the plurality of computing devices and to generate information usable by one or more user devices on the golf course, wherein the central server is further configured to transmit the multiple sets of GPS coordinates to the user device.

EI 9: The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of computing devices comprises a first computing device attached to a golf cart driven by a golfer using the user device.

EI 10: The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is further configured to cause, based on determining that none of the multiple sets of GPS coordinates corresponds to the current hole, a distance to the center of the green to be displayed.

EI 11: An electronic device configured to provide hole cup information on a golf course, the electronic device comprising: a display; a GPS sensor configured to receive GPS information associated with a current location of the electronic device; and one or more processors configured to: receive multiple sets of GPS coordinates that each include a latitude and a longitude associated with one of a plurality of GPS modules located throughout the golf course; determine a current hole associated with the electronic device; select, based on the current hole associated with the electronic device, a first set of GPS coordinates from the multiple sets of GPS coordinates; determine, based on the selected first set of GPS coordinates, a distance from the current location of the electronic device to a current location of a golf pin corresponding to the current hole, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole; and cause the distance to be displayed via the display of the electronic device.

EI 12: The electronic device of claim 11, further configured to determine the current hole associated with the electronic device based on the current location of the electronic device determined using the GPS sensor of the electronic device.

EI 13: The electronic device of claim 11, further configured to determine the current hole associated with the electronic device in response to detecting a hole change.

EI 14: The electronic device of claim 11, further configured to determine the current hole associated with the electronic device in response to a user input requesting a hole change.

EI 15: The electronic device of claim 11, further configured to receive the multiple sets of GPS coordinates from one or more of the plurality of GPS modules via Bluetooth.

EI 16: The electronic device of claim 11, further configured to cause, based on determining that none of the multiple sets of GPS coordinates corresponds to the current hole, a distance to the center of the green to be displayed.

EI 17: A method of providing hole cup information on a golf course, the method comprising: receiving multiple sets of GPS coordinates that each include a latitude and a longitude associated with one of a plurality of GPS modules located throughout the golf course; determining a current hole associated with a user device; selecting, based on the current hole associated with the user device, a first set of GPS coordinates from the multiple sets of GPS coordinates; and displaying, based on the selected first set of GPS coordinates, a distance from a current location of the user device to a current location of a golf pin corresponding to the current hole, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole.

EI 18: The method of claim 17, further comprising determining the current hole associated with the user device based on the current location of the user device determined using a GPS sensor of the user device.

EI 19: The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving the multiple sets of GPS coordinates from one or more of the plurality of GPS modules via Bluetooth.

EI 20: The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying, based on determining that none of the multiple sets of GPS coordinates corresponds to the current hole, a distance to the center of the green.

EI 21: A method of providing hole cup information on a golf course, the method comprising: receiving GPS coordinate information from a GPS module installed on a golf pin of one of a plurality of holes on the golf course; determining a current hole associated with a user device; determining that said one of the plurality of holes matches the current hole associated with the user device; determining, based on the GPS coordinate information from the GPS module installed on the golf pin, a distance from a current location of the user device to a current location of the golf pin, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole; and displaying the distance via a display of the user device.

Terminology

All of the methods and tasks described herein may be performed and fully automated by a computer system. The computer system may, in some cases, include multiple distinct computers or computing devices (e.g., physical servers, workstations, storage arrays, cloud computing resources, etc.) that communicate and interoperate over a network to perform the described functions. Each such computing device typically includes a processor (or multiple processors) that executes program instructions or modules stored in a memory or other non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or device (e.g., solid state storage devices, disk drives, etc.). The various functions disclosed herein may be embodied in such program instructions, or may be implemented in application-specific circuitry (e.g., ASICs or FPGAs) of the computer system. Where the computer system includes multiple computing devices, these devices may, but need not, be co-located. The results of the disclosed methods and tasks may be persistently stored by transforming physical storage devices, such as solid-state memory chips or magnetic disks, into a different state. In some embodiments, the computer system may be a cloud-based computing system whose processing resources are shared by multiple distinct business entities or other users.

The processes described herein or illustrated in the figures of the present disclosure may begin in response to an event, such as on a predetermined or dynamically determined schedule, on demand when initiated by a user or system administrator, or in response to some other event. When such processes are initiated, a set of executable program instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., hard drive, flash memory, removable media, etc.) may be loaded into memory (e.g., RAM) of a server or other computing device. The executable instructions may then be executed by a hardware-based computer processor of the computing device. In some embodiments, such processes or portions thereof may be implemented on multiple computing devices and/or multiple processors, serially or in parallel.

Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the processes or algorithms described herein can be performed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described operations or events are necessary for the practice of the algorithm). Moreover, in certain embodiments, operations or events can be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., ASICs or FPGA devices), computer software that runs on computer hardware, or combinations of both. Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processor device, a digital signal processor (“DSP”), an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processor device can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor device can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor device can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor device includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor device can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor device may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the rendering techniques described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.

The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor device, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor device such that the processor device can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor device. The processor device and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor device and the storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

Any process descriptions, elements or blocks in the flow diagrams described herein and/or depicted in the attached figures should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or elements in the process. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executed out of order from that shown, or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it can be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As can be recognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system configured to provide hole cup information on a golf course, the system comprising: a plurality of GPS modules configured to transmit GPS signals, wherein the plurality of GPS modules are physically attached to a corresponding plurality of golf pins located throughout the golf course; and a user device configured to: receive multiple sets of GPS coordinates that each include a latitude and a longitude associated with one of the plurality of GPS modules located throughout the golf course; determine a current hole associated with the user device; select, based on the current hole associated with the user device, a first set of GPS coordinates from the multiple sets of GPS coordinates; and display, based on the selected first set of GPS coordinates, a distance from a current location of the user device to a current location of a golf pin corresponding to the current hole, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of GPS modules are configured to periodically determine updated GPS coordinate information.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is configured to determine the current hole associated with the user device based on the current location of the user device determined using a GPS module of the user device.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is configured to determine the current hole associated with the user device in response to detecting a hole change.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is configured to determine the current hole associated with the user device in response to a user input requesting a hole change.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of GPS modules are configured to transmit the GPS signals via Bluetooth.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of signal relay devices configured to extend a signal range of one or more of the plurality of GPS modules.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of computing devices configured to be moved across the golf course and to receive the GPS signals transmitted by one or more of the plurality of GPS modules; and a central server configured to receive golf pin data uploaded by the plurality of computing devices and to generate information usable by one or more user devices on the golf course, wherein the central server is further configured to transmit the multiple sets of GPS coordinates to the user device.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of computing devices comprises a first computing device attached to a golf cart driven by a golfer using the user device.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is further configured to cause, based on determining that none of the multiple sets of GPS coordinates corresponds to the current hole, a distance to the center of the green to be displayed.
 11. An electronic device configured to provide hole cup information on a golf course, the electronic device comprising: a display; a GPS sensor configured to receive GPS information associated with a current location of the electronic device; and one or more processors configured to: receive multiple sets of GPS coordinates that each include a latitude and a longitude associated with one of a plurality of GPS modules located throughout the golf course; determine a current hole associated with the electronic device; select, based on the current hole associated with the electronic device, a first set of GPS coordinates from the multiple sets of GPS coordinates; determine, based on the selected first set of GPS coordinates, a distance from the current location of the electronic device to a current location of a golf pin corresponding to the current hole, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole; and cause the distance to be displayed via the display of the electronic device.
 12. The electronic device of claim 11, further configured to determine the current hole associated with the electronic device based on the current location of the electronic device determined using the GPS sensor of the electronic device.
 13. The electronic device of claim 11, further configured to determine the current hole associated with the electronic device in response to detecting a hole change.
 14. The electronic device of claim 11, further configured to determine the current hole associated with the electronic device in response to a user input requesting a hole change.
 15. The electronic device of claim 11, further configured to receive the multiple sets of GPS coordinates from one or more of the plurality of GPS modules via Bluetooth.
 16. The electronic device of claim 11, further configured to cause, based on determining that none of the multiple sets of GPS coordinates corresponds to the current hole, a distance to the center of the green to be displayed.
 17. A method of providing hole cup information on a golf course, the method comprising: receiving multiple sets of GPS coordinates that each include a latitude and a longitude associated with one of a plurality of GPS modules located throughout the golf course; determining a current hole associated with a user device; selecting, based on the current hole associated with the user device, a first set of GPS coordinates from the multiple sets of GPS coordinates; and displaying, based on the selected first set of GPS coordinates, a distance from a current location of the user device to a current location of a golf pin corresponding to the current hole, wherein the current location of the golf pin is different from a center of a green of the current hole.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising determining the current hole associated with the user device based on the current location of the user device determined using a GPS sensor of the user device.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving the multiple sets of GPS coordinates from one or more of the plurality of GPS modules via Bluetooth.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying, based on determining that none of the multiple sets of GPS coordinates corresponds to the current hole, a distance to the center of the green. 